Luke 2:1-20

Why Shepherds?

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Thomas Cole – The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds

While reading the account of the angel announcing the birth of Jesus in Luke chapter 2, one of my grandchildren asked a great question: “Why did God choose shepherds to hear about it first?”

Here are three well-known commentary perspectives.

God reveals Himself to the lowly, not the powerful

Leon Morris (Tyndale New Testament Commentary – Luke)
Morris notes that shepherds were among the humblest workers in Jewish society. Their selection fits Luke’s repeated theme that God exalts the lowly and bypasses the proud (Luke 1:52). By announcing Jesus’ birth to shepherds rather than kings or priests, God shows that the gospel begins with grace, not status.

Shepherds highlight the theme of Jesus as the true Shepherd

Darrell L. Bock (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – Luke)
Bock points out the strong shepherd imagery throughout Scripture and Luke’s Gospel. The angelic announcement to shepherds subtly introduces Jesus’ future role as the one who will shepherd God’s people (cf. Micah 5:2–4). The messianic identity of Jesus is foreshadowed by the audience chosen to hear the news.

Shepherds serve as credible witnesses to God’s work

Joel B. Green (NICNT – The Gospel of Luke)
Green emphasizes that shepherds, though socially insignificant, become the first human witnesses to the Messiah’s birth. Luke consistently shows God using unexpected people to bear witness. Their testimony demonstrates that divine revelation creates trustworthy witnesses, not social rank.

Merry Christmas From Bible Rebel

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Thomas Cole – The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds

Luke 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.